Mayor Frank Frühauf toured the new building of the Birkenfeld District Branch of the German Red Cross (DRK) on Schönlautenbach. Together with Managing Director Jörg Schmitt, he discussed the work of the German Red Cross, current challenges, and possible future collaborations between the city and the DRK.
The new building serves as an office building for the DRK district chapter. Construction took about two years. Despite various challenges during the planning and construction phases, the project was successfully completed and carried out within the estimated construction budget.
During their discussion, the participants addressed numerous topics that are equally important to the city and the local chapter of the German Red Cross. These included, among other things, the future of the Idar-Oberstein Hospital, social work with migrants, after-school care, and day care. Volunteer work was also a particular focus.
Executive Director Jörg Schmitt reported that the district chapter employs more than 80 staff members and also relies on the dedication of numerous volunteers. “The German Red Cross is a vital pillar of our society,” Schmitt emphasized. At the same time, however, he noted with regret that the willingness to volunteer is declining overall. Yet many tasks simply cannot be accomplished without volunteer support.
As an example, Schmitt cited the emergency pastoral care program, which the DRK district chapter operates in collaboration with the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and the two churches (the Protestant Church District of Obere Nahe and the Idar-Oberstein Pastoral Area Parish Association). “Integrating emergency pastoral care into disaster response is a particularly important social responsibility,” explained the DRK executive director. A corresponding agreement between the DRK district chapter and the district administration has already been reached.
Mayor Frank Frühauf announced that he plans to revitalize the city’s volunteer exchange in the future and further expand support for volunteer work. In addition, he intends to continue exploring opportunities for collaboration between the city and the German Red Cross (DRK). “We’re glad we have the Red Cross, because we couldn’t do without it,” said Frühauf.
During the tour, the mayor also learned about the services offered by the German Red Cross (DRK) day care center, which recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.
A special moment of the gathering was the tribute to Paul Eifler, who was unfortunately unable to attend. Eifler has been active with the German Red Cross for 75 years now. Mayor Frank Frühauf presented Jörg Schmidt with a certificate on Paul Eifler’s behalf, recognizing his many years of service and extraordinary dedication to the Birkenfeld district chapter of the German Red Cross. “Paul Eifler is a shining example for our community, whose tireless service in the spirit of humanity deserves our utmost respect,” said Mayor Frank Frühauf, paying tribute to the honoree’s decades of dedication.